Catalyst and Sensitizer‐Free Visible‐Light‐Induced C(sp 2 )−H Chalcogenation of Arenes/ Heteroarenes with Dichalcogenides

Abstract A direct selenation of arenes and heteroarenes at room temperature has been accomplished. This protocol was enabled by a visible‐light‐promoted single‐electron‐transfer (SET) pathway without a directing group. An array of arenes and heteroarenes, such as indoles, pyrroles, and functionalized aryl substrates could go through this selenation with high yields and regioselectivity. The salient feature of this protocol is the SET achieved by irradiating one of two organic molecules thereby avoiding a sensitizer to form a radical ion pair.